Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Progressive Conservative MPP Rick Byers has been appointed as Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Finance.
A release from his office says he was sworn into the position earlier today at Queen’s Park.
Byers was one of 43 MPPs appointed by Premier Doug Ford to Parliamentary Assistant roles, which include a pay bump of just over $16,000 from the regular salary of an MPP.
Parliamentary Assistants work with ministers in carrying out their duties and supporting them as required including special projects and assignments. They also play a role in building relationships and communicating government initiatives across the province.
Byers says his career experience in the financial markets makes him a good fit for this role.
His profile on his website says his career included roles as Special Assistant in Tax Policy for past federal finance minister Michael Wilson.
He was also a chartered accountant with Thorne Riddell, which is now KPMG.
Also during his career, Byers was Managing Director of Government Investment Banking at Burns Fry/BMO Capital Markets, where his profile says he worked on financing for major projects including NAV Canada, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.
Byers was also Executive Vice President of Borealis Infrastructure, a division of the OMERS Pension Plan.
He says in a statement, “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work directly with Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy,” adding “I have known Peter for many years, and I look forward to working together with the excellent team at the Ministry of Finance to get things done for our province and our riding.”
Byers also says he is excited to take his seat in the Ontario Legislature when it reconvenes this summer to pass the Ontario Budget, introduced by Bethlenfalvy back in April.
